Anthem blunder in Colombo! New Zealand players left laughing before ENG vs NZ clash – Watch | Cricket News – The Times of India
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Anthem blunder in Colombo! New Zealand players left laughing before ENG vs NZ clash – Watch | Cricket News – The Times of India


Anthem blunder in Colombo! New Zealand players left laughing before ENG vs NZ clash – Watch | Cricket News – The Times of India
England vs New Zealand (Screengrab)

There was a light-hearted moment before the high-pressure clash between England and New Zealand in Colombo when New Zealand’s national anthem accidentally played in fast forward. The unexpected goof-up left players smiling and laughing, easing tension ahead of the must-win Super Eight match at the R Premadasa Stadium.

India beat Zimbabwe in Chennai | Fans react as decider vs WI awaits in Kolkata

Watch:On the field, New Zealand won the toss and chose to bat first. Captain Mitchell Santner kept the same playing XI as the previous game, while England made one change, bringing in Rehan Ahmed for Jamie Overton.After the toss, Santner explained his decision clearly. “We’re going to bat first. You have to win games if you want to win a World Cup. Nice to have a run on this wicket the other night. We know what it’s going to do. Does look the same. Looked good in the last game and spun more than we thought. If it’s flatter, have to adjust accordingly. You try to use the dimensions in your favour. Same team,” he said. England skipper Harry Brook said he would have batted first too. “Would’ve won the toss and batted as well. Watched the game the other night, and there was spin here. They’re an amazing side. If we can beat them and try to knock them out, that’ll be great. I think we fielded amazingly throughout the competition. There was mis-execution in the previous game. I think I’ll be sticking at number three. Jamie Overton is out, Rehan Ahmed is in,” he added.England have already reached the semifinals, while New Zealand must win to qualify.


T20 World Cup: Everyone loves an underdog story, says skipper Raza on Zimbabwe’s performance
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T20 World Cup: Everyone loves an underdog story, says skipper Raza on Zimbabwe’s performance


T20 World Cup: Everyone loves an underdog story, says skipper Raza on Zimbabwe’s performance

Zimbabwe’s captain Sikandar Raza plays a shot during the T20 World Cup cricket match between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on February 19, 2026.
| Photo Credit: AP

Skipper Sikandar Raza said Zimbabwe’s wonder run in the T20 World Cup group stages has earned his side respect from everyone, and he hoped to recreate the universally loved underdog’s victory story in the Super Eights against tough opponents.

The Africans showed a glimpse of their ability to spring surprises while sweeping aside Australia and Sri Lanka in Group B matches in Colombo.

“We keep our sights forward. If I keep our eyes on the present…I don’t think anyone gave us a chance. To win everyone’s hearts and respect, it is a good position to be in,” Raza said in the post-match presentation after his team’s win over SL.

Now, Raza has set his eyes on the Super Eights, where they will come across reigning champions India, two-time champions West Indies and 2024 finalists South Africa. But he is not overawed.

“We take one game at a time. We arrive on the 21st, and then train on the 22nd, and then it is show-time. Whatever happens, happens. If we can win two out of three games, who knows what can happen. Everyone loves an underdog story,” Raza added.

Cutting back to the match against the Lankans, Raza said the home side was 10 runs short of a defendable total.

“When we lost the toss, all I said to the boys was if we are truly playing good cricket, why does the toss matter? I bowled, and said finger-spinners are not finding a lot of turn, so we can put them under pressure.

“I came into the changing room and said they were 10 runs short (at the break). We have trained for every situation. We have the right personnel to send in at the right time. We have got all those roles clear and that is why you see the confidence in the changing room,” he said.

But for the moment, Raza wanted to celebrate his team’s Super Eights entry.

“We are unbeaten so far, but it is only the next game that comes into my head. Nice position to be in as a captain but I will try and enjoy at least tonight,” he said.

Published – February 20, 2026 03:48 am IST